The Unique Women of the Venetian Republic

Connie Spenuzza

• Publisher: Libros Publishing Llc
• Year: 2023
• ISBN:
  9780998703190
• Topic: Historia
• Subtopic: Historia italiana

In The Unique Women of the Venetian Republic, international award-winning author Connie Spenuzza vibrantly chronicles women's contributions to Venice from the 1400s to the end of the Republic in 1797. Despite societal norms that prohibited these Venetian women to advance as artists, authors, craftswomen, musicians, publishers, scholars—and even divas and courtesans par excellence—their dauntless search for knowledge transformed La Serenissima. Since Spenuzza's first sojourn to a decaying Venice in 1973, she has returned to La Serenissima biennially (for over fifty years) to study what is at the heart of these trailblazing women. In this book, Spenuzza takes you for a stroll along the narrow calli of Venice, shining a light into the watery depths of a history that has submerged the accomplishments of its own Venetian female stars. Witness the brilliant trajectory of scholarly prodigy Cassandra Felede in 1499 and her abject poverty by 1547. Vicariously attend the lively discussions held at the Venetian ghetto home of multilingual salonnière Sarra Copia Sulam (1592–1641), only to see her withdraw with fear once the Venetian government imposed even more severe measures on its Jewish population. Listen to the dulcet sounds of Barbara Strozzi (1619–1677), the successful composer, musician, and singer, as she rises to fame while maintaining a complex financial control over her wealth. Admire Julia Lama's artistic commitment and success despite facing society's ridicule for her facial difference. Spenuzza's lavishly illustrated work celebrates the vitality of the many incomparable Venetian women whose talents uplifted La Serenissima.